Where to go for a license plate replacement
You get a replacement license plate from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), not from a dealer or private shop. Most states let you order one by mail, in person at a DMV office, or online through the state's DMV website. The fastest method is usually online if your state offers it — you can complete the request in minutes and receive the plate by mail within one to three weeks.
If your plate was stolen, some states require you to file a police report first and bring that report to the DMV or include it with your online request. This protects you if someone uses your plate number on their vehicle. Check your state's DMV website to see whether a report is required before you start the process.
If your plate is damaged but still readable, you may not need to replace it when ready — most states only require replacement if the plate is illegible or missing. However, if you want a new one, the process is the same as for a lost or stolen plate.
Key Takeaways
- Most states let you order a replacement plate online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office, with online being the fastest option.
- If your plate was stolen, you typically need a police report before the DMV will issue a replacement.
- You will need your vehicle registration and driver's license number to request a replacement.
- Replacement plates usually cost between $5 and $25 depending on your state, and arrive within one to three weeks if ordered by mail.
- Personalized or specialty plates follow the same replacement process but may take longer to produce.
What documents and information you need
Have your vehicle registration and driver's license number ready before you start. The DMV uses these to confirm you own the vehicle and to match the plate to your account. If you are ordering online, you will enter these numbers into the form. If you are going in person or by mail, bring the physical documents or copies.
If your plate was stolen, bring or include a copy of the police report. Some states ask for the report number; others want the full document. Check your state's DMV website to see what form of the report they accept. If you do not have a report yet, file one with your local police department first — this usually takes 15 minutes by phone or online.
If you are replacing a plate because it is damaged, you do not need a police report. You may need to bring the damaged plate itself if you are going in person, so the DMV can verify it is actually unreadable.
How to order online
Go to your state's official DMV website and look for "replace license plate," "duplicate plate," or "lost plate" in the menu. The exact wording varies by state. Enter your vehicle registration number and driver's license number when prompted. You will also enter your vehicle's VIN (vehicle identification number), which is on your registration and on the dashboard at the base of the windshield on the driver's side.
Select the reason for replacement — lost, stolen, or damaged — and answer any follow-up questions. If your state requires a police report for a stolen plate, you will be asked to upload a copy or enter the report number. Review the fee before you submit. Most states charge $5 to $25 for a standard replacement plate.
After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Write this down or save the email. Your new plate will be mailed to the address on your registration within one to three weeks. You do not need to do anything else — the plate arrives ready to install.
How to order by mail or in person
If your state does not offer online ordering, you can request a replacement by mail. read the replacement plate form from your state's DMV website, fill it out completely, and mail it with a copy of your registration and driver's license to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the replacement fee. If a police report is required, include a copy of that as well.
Mail takes longer than online — expect four to six weeks from the time the DMV receives your form. To speed this up, go in person to a DMV office instead. Bring your registration, driver's license, and police report if applicable. The staff will process your request on the spot, and you will leave with a confirmation number. Your plate will still arrive by mail, but the processing time starts when ready.
Some states let you pick up a temporary plate at the office while you wait for the permanent one. Ask the staff whether this is an option in your state. A temporary plate is usually a paper plate that is valid for 30 days.
What happens if you need the plate before it arrives
If you need to drive before your replacement plate arrives, ask the DMV whether you can get a temporary plate. Some states issue these on the spot at the office; others mail them with your permanent plate. A temporary plate is usually valid for 30 to 60 days and satisfies the legal requirement to display a plate while you drive.
If your state does not offer temporary plates and you need to drive when ready, contact your local police department. Explain that you have reported your plate stolen or lost and are waiting for a replacement. Some departments will issue a written notice that you can carry in your vehicle as proof you have reported the missing plate. This is not a legal substitute for a plate, but it may prevent a traffic stop if an officer runs your registration and sees the report.
Do not drive without a plate or a temporary plate unless you have this written notice. Driving without a visible plate is a traffic violation in all states.
Specialty and personalized plates
If your original plate was a personalized or specialty plate — such as a vanity plate, military plate, or environmental plate — the replacement process is the same, but the new plate may take longer to arrive. Specialty plates are made to order, so allow four to six weeks instead of one to three.
When you request the replacement, specify that you want the same type of plate. If you are ordering online, the form will ask what kind of plate you had. If you are ordering by mail or in person, write "personalized plate" or the specific type on the form. The fee for a replacement specialty plate is usually the same as the original, though some states charge a small additional fee for reordering.
What to do when your new plate arrives
When your replacement plate arrives in the mail, remove the old plate from your vehicle and install the new one. Most plates are held on with two bolts — one at the top and one at the bottom. Use a wrench or socket set to remove them. If your old plate is damaged or you no longer have it, you do not need to keep it. If your old plate was stolen and you have a police report, you can discard it or keep it for your records.
Install the new plate in the same location as the old one. In most states, the front plate goes on the front bumper and the rear plate on the back. Some states require plates on both the front and back; others only require a rear plate. Check your registration or your state's DMV website to confirm what your state requires.
Keep any temporary plate you received until your permanent plate is installed. Once the permanent plate is on, you can discard the temporary one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a replacement license plate cost?
Most states charge between $5 and $25 for a standard replacement plate. Specialty plates like personalized or military plates may cost more. Check your state's DMV website or call the DMV to confirm the exact fee before you order.
Can I get a replacement plate the same day?
Not by mail. If you go in person to a DMV office, the staff will process your request when ready and give you a confirmation number, but the physical plate is still made and mailed to you, which takes one to three weeks. Some states offer temporary plates you can use while you wait.
What if I lose my replacement plate before it arrives?
Contact your state's DMV and report the second loss. You will need to request another replacement and pay the fee again. If the plate is stolen, file a police report first. To avoid this, track your mail or have it held at the post office if you will not be home when it arrives.
Do I need to notify my insurance company about a stolen plate?
You do not have to, but it is a good idea. Call your insurance agent and let them know your plate was stolen and that you have reported it to police. This creates a record in case someone uses your plate number fraudulently.
Can someone else pick up my replacement plate from the DMV?
No. Replacement plates are mailed to the address on your vehicle registration. If you need someone else to receive it, you can update your mailing address temporarily on your registration before you order, then change it back afterward. Check your state's DMV website for how to update your address online or by mail.